The countdown to the NFL Draft is nearly over—it’s almost time to set down the mock drafts and enjoy the unpredictable spectacle that’s about to unfold. One of the highlights? Watching fans and analysts alike try to forecast the future. On Tuesday, NFL.com draft analyst Adam Rank dropped his one and only mock draft—he doesn’t revise it as the draft approaches. And his pick for the New York Giants is one that’s caught everyone off guard.
While most mock drafts focus on the debate between Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter, Rank veers in an entirely different direction. He doesn’t have the Giants taking either of those two—or even a quarterback. Instead, he suggests they go after the top running back in the draft: Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.
During an appearance on Mock Draft Live Tuesday night on NFL Network, Rank said it would be a feel-good moment for the Giants to land the best back in the class, especially after losing Saquon Barkley to the rival Eagles in free agency last offseason. Rank framed the move as a way to “right a wrong,” even if it means passing on more valuable prospects at higher-impact positions.
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On NFL.com, he wrote that picking Jeanty could reignite the fan base’s love for the G-Men. “Yes, the offensive line is a disaster, and sure, there are other pressing needs,” he admitted. “But what you really need is a playmaker who can help fans forget Barkley just won a Super Bowl with the Eagles.
OK, maybe they’ll never really forget that—but still. Imagine an offense with Malik Nabers, Jeanty, and Russell Wilson. Not bad, right? Grab a lineman in the second round. Take Jeanty now and give your fans something to believe in.”
In Rank’s mock, Carter goes to the Browns and Hunter lands with the Patriots, surrounding the Giants’ pick. While passing on Hunter could ruffle feathers among New York fans, the idea of landing a “Saquon 2.0”? We get the appeal.